How a deep freeze in the South burned Minnesotan consumers
Minnesota utilities made a losing bet on natural gas markets, leaving customers on the hook for higher prices.
April 17, 2021 — 8:00am
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When a deep freeze hit the South in February, the natural gas market essentially failed Minnesotans, leaving them on the hook for an unprecedented $800 million in extra charges.
Under state law, utilities pass down wholesale gas costs, which skyrocketed in February. Many Minnesota consumers will pony up at least 50% more than they pay annually for their heating bills.
Customers of CenterPoint Energy, the state's largest gas utility, will be hit the hardest: $354 for the average residential household. The state's second- and third-largest gas utilities, Xcel Energy and MERC, expect surcharges of $270 and between $225 to $250, respectively.